Radiofrequency-Assisted Liposuction Compared with Aggressive Superficial, Subdermal Liposuction of the Arms: A Bilateral Quantitative Comparison

Early human evidence such as case series or small samples is exploring possible benefits.

• Level A · Stronger Clinical Evidence
• Level B · Emerging clinical evidence with positive signals
• Level C · Early human research exploring benefits
• Level D · Scientific groundwork from lab and animal studies
• Emerging · Emerging topic under active research

Abstract (original English)

Background Liposuction of the arms alone may be inadequate for aesthetic improvement because of skin laxity. Radiofrequency-assisted liposuction (RFAL) and aggressive superficial liposuction (SupL) have been described to stimulate soft tissue retraction to improve results. We compare the techniques and describe a classification scheme that factors skin laxity, skin quality, and Fitzpatrick type to provide treatment recommendations. Methods Ten consecutive female patients underwent RFAL of 1 arm and SupL on the contralateral arm. All patients had Fitzpatrick skin types of III, IV, or V with an average body mass index of 26.0. Using fluorescent tattooing, key points on the arm skin were measured preoperatively and postoperatively to indicate changes in surface area. Results There were no complications in the group, and all patients reported satisfaction with the aesthetic results. All patients showed reduction of measured skin surface areas and skin distances postoperatively. At 1 year, the measured surface area reductions on the anterior arms averaged 15.0% for RFAL and 10.9% for SupL on the anterior arm skin. Posteriorly, RFAL showed 13.1% reduction and SupL 8.1% reduction in the surface areas at 1 year. Linear reduction for RFAL averaged 22.6% and 17.8% for SupL 1 year postoperatively anteriorly. Conclusion Both RFAL and SupL of the arms showed quantifiable and sustained reduc

Evidence level

Early human evidence such as case series or small samples is exploring possible benefits.

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